Tao invariably takes no action, and yet there is nothing left undone.

Supreme good is like water. Water greatly benefits all things, without conflict. It flows through places that people loathe. Thereby it is close to the Way.

Your name or your body, what is dearer? Your body or your wealth, what is worthier?

The sage desires no desire, does not value rare treasures, learns without learning, recovers what people have left behind.

The small is easy to scatter.

If a great country yields to a small country, it will conquer the small country. If a small country yields to a great country, it will be conquered by the great country.

Those who are self-righteous are not prominent.